16 home safety features you can control via smartphone

Home monitoring has advanced far beyond the traditional hardwired
keypad systems. It's now home security technology, and includes a much wider array of democratized services
available to more people than ever via smartphone.

Many systems don't even require the typical touchpads, key fobs or
monthly monitoring fees: Numerous easier, cheaper, and more versatile alternatives can be accessed in a
smart home using something that's probably already in your pocket: a smartphone.

In some cases, monitoring homes remotely can be a minimal,
do-it-yourself effort by using a product such as Canary, a single device you can control from your phone.

With claims averaging $61,387 for fire, $10,982 for water damage, and
crime at $4,927, according to 2015 State Farm® data, it's
not surprising that qualifying home automation and security systems can be purchased at discounts for
insurance policyholders or even qualify for homeowners or renters insurance premium discounts, so check
with your insurance
provider.

But for a more comprehensive service — some including 24-hour
monitoring by security professionals — the latest generation of smart home systems goes far beyond smoke
detection and intrusion alerts. Many include options for real-time video monitoring, motion-activated
recording and even night vision. Systems also can monitor air quality, temperature and humidity.

Remotely-controlled ovens, water heaters, and washing machines are here
too, although still in early stages, and many more items in the "Internet of Things" are in development.

The more common features of smart homes that can be monitored or
controlled remotely include:

Fire

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Connected electrical outlets

Thermostats

Appliance shutoff

Water

Moisture detection — this could include anything from a leaky roof or pipes, to burst water lines, to
overflowing sump pumps

Crime

Care

Control home temperature for sick and elderly household members

Video monitoring

Activity monitoring

Medical alert options

Home automation and security savings of up to 10% may be available to
State Farm customers who buy a discount
eligible system. Discounts vary by state and apply to both centrally monitored and self-installed
systems.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm®. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under our policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.